The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, acknowledged the government's progress in addressing water challenges but emphasised that urgent needs remain, particularly in rural areas.

Zaamwani was responding to concerns raised by members of parliament over high water tariffs and widespread water scarcity.

McHenry Venaani, President of the Popular Democratic Movement, highlighted the issue of NamWater’s pricing, noting that residents in the Zambezi region, located closer to the river, are charged more than those living 300 kilometres away.

Martin Lukato, leader of the National Democratic Party, also criticised the high cost of the water supplied by NamWater, pointing out the irony of expensive water charges despite Namibia being surrounded by major water sources like the Zambezi and Kavango Rivers. He stressed that many Namibians, especially the poor majority, cannot afford these costs.

Rodrick Likando, Independent Patriots for Change MP, questioned how limited resource allocation would ensure sustainable water sources and protect aquifers and rivers amid worsening drought conditions. He noted that rural water supply remains inadequate, with villagers still walking long distances to access wells or unsafe water points.

Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, raised concerns about schools lacking water and urged more structured resource sharing and sustainable solutions beyond reliance on water tankers.

In response, Minister Zaamwani acknowledged the challenges but highlighted government efforts, including drilling and upgrading boreholes in communal areas. 

"On the issue of water supply infrastructure generally, it is a concern that has been raised by several speakers, and we do accept that we are still a long way to go before we can satisfy the needs of everybody. But it has also been noted here that the government has done a lot in terms of drilling boreholes in the communal areas and upgrading borehole infrastructure, and as I said in the budget yesterday, more is planned to increase what has already been done."